January 29, 2021
St John’s Lutheran School Kingaroy has hired several new teachers and extra support staff to keep pace with a surge in student enrolments.
Principal Karyn Bjelke-Petersen said many of the new students were from families who had recently moved to the area.
“Our phones were running hot with enrolment enquiries during the school holidays, and we’re excited to be welcoming so many new faces into our classrooms this week,” Mrs Bjelke-Petersen said.
The new teachers include Jess McNamara (Year 1), Shania Craven (Year 2) and Dominique Cusack (Year 5).
Chloe Rickard, a former St John’s student who recently moved back to Australia after teaching in Moscow for several years, is also joining the staff. She will be teaching across several classes.
Mrs Bjelke-Petersen said she was also pleased to welcome several new teacher aides as well as Rosanne Ross, who recently moved to Kingaroy from Narrabri to join the school’s Learning Support Centre.
“Rosanne has many years of experience working for Lutheran schools and we’re very glad she’s part of our teaching team this year at St John’s,” Mrs Bjelke-Petersen said.
As well, Deb Kerr, who has worked as a teacher aide at the school since 2013, will be returning to full-time teaching in Year 1.
“Last year brought many COVID-related challenges but 2021 represents a fresh start and we’re excited about what the next 12 months may bring,” Mrs Bjelke-Petersen said.
St John’s Lutheran School began in 1989 with just 26 students and has now grown to almost 440 students from Prep to Year 9.
All new staff will be officially inducted during a special ceremony on Monday (February 1).
